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RESPITE LIBRARY - AFTERNOON
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Narrator: The same day as having experimented on Tarbin and found that insignia burned into her retinas, Teis decides to do some research. Of course, she would've gone straight to the library, if not for Della insisting that they get lunch first. Her research has no time to waste. She remembers The Loremaster's offer - Teis can order any book she might want, though it will take a while to reach Respite. She needs to put in her request ASAP. She arrives at the library, intent on immediately finding Aurelius. Instantly, being within the walls of the library, she's wrapped by that cold and hazy feeling of the runic wards within. Ugh. Maybe she'd enjoy being at the library more if her connection to the arcane wasn't as muted. Maybe this is how Tarbin feels. . .
Aurelius was behind the desk, managing some of the withdrawals. He passes off a history of 'Vulpine Magics' before turning to Teis "Ah, Ms. Bouquet. How can I help you today?"
Teis immediately brings a small piece of paper out of her pocket, unfolding it. On it is sketched the insignia Teis had seen etched into her eyes, with colour. Nothing fancy, but serviceable. She offers it to Aurelius, with a polite, curt bow. "Good Afternoon, Loremaster."
Teis: "I need knowledge of this symbol. It's likely from Yuretti, judging from the tail-like symbolism, and, well, whom I found it on. But it might not be. Either way, whatever information you have on the matter would be helpful. I'm planning on ordering in as many books on the topic of Yuretti and Orelan lizards both, so the more you can narrow it down, the less books I would require, greatly speeding up my efforts."
Aurelius looks at the symbol a moment "Hmm" He stands up, and thoughtfully wanders around the bookshelves "It's a fairly small civilization in the grand scheme of things, and not one that would tend to draw much attention to themselves" He pulls out a small book on the Yuretti, and passes it to Teis "That's all I have on hand, but I can make further requests, and ask for larger works. I can say that the twin tails is a common symbiology for magic, and magical ability. It may be the crest of an old magically inclined family, with the upper marking representing a star, which has ancestral connotations" He pulls out a second book, which was about the heritability of magic, and passes it to Teis. "Now, many of the books written will have colonial frames of reference, and tend not to be written by natives, but that's just a problem you'll need to deal with yourself" He turns around and walks back towards the desk "So, tell me, what business have you with the lizard known as Tarbin?"
Teis accepts the book, instinctively raising her hand to click at the book, though pausing thoughtfully before casting her telekinesis. She then takes it physically. "Thank you, Loremaster. I'll read this immediately and get back to you with what I find. Hopefully it'll narrow the search down." Teis offers. "Tarbin and I have a deal. If I cure his curse, he'll help me learn how it is he uses his magic. His curse is one that hides it's true nature - And this insignia came up on my mana lenses when I used my scrying magic on him to get it to reveal to me it's secrets. Obviously another countermeasure to further hide the true nature of the curse, though I must take the only lead given to me."
Aurelius: "A question for you, Ms Bouquet" He settles down "Why is this fellow cursed? It is like the gate that is the middle of a road, before you tear it down, you should know why it was built in the first place. Someone went to great effort to cast this spell, they did not do it for no reason at all" He starts writing the books down in the log book "You wish to help him, and that is good, but caution is always key"
Teis: "Look, the man was shipwrecked, was almost nearly homeless and is now fully blind. And he definitely had issues even asking me to help him. I'm not going to let him down." Teis frowns. "Yeah, he could turn out to be a gateway to the 7th layer of hell. Far as I know, you could have a portal to there also somewhere in this library. But I ain't gonna search your library just be certain."
Teis: "I trust you and I trust him. If I don't, then there is zero percent chance that I come out of this with any knowledge gained at all. I mean no disrespect, Loremaster."
Aurelius: "Well, of course a portal to hell couldn't be in the library. They need to be built below the level of the local water table" He remarks idly "Not to mention the Sulphur would be incredibly bad for all the books" He remarks rather factually "Now, there are a number of other outrealms that I could contact here in the library, but permanent portals are difficult to sustain, and would leave noticeable marks on the local mana field that you would have likely noticed" With that minor aside "I am not in the business of denying knowledge, and you will, of course, get what you need to learn, but I merely advise"
Teis: Teis idly listens to Aurelius' diversion on how there couldn't possibly be a portal here. If it were anyone else, Teis would want to snap her fingers and utter 'focus'. But. . .This is The Loremaster. She can't just interrupt him. "Of course, Loremaster. I will at least consider the possibility, though it is more likely convinced to yet be another product of man's folly than anything so sinister." Teis explains. "Is. . .There anyone in town that might be useful to talk to about this?" Teis questions.
Aurelius: "There is a spellcaster who lives, I believe in the North of the town, by the name of Elizabeth. I understand her magical knowledge would be more focused than mine, and she may be of help. I understand if you did not want to talk to anyone in Shaw Enterprises, but she is the best bet. I suggest bringing a gift. It tends to soften people's approaches. Otherwise, I suggest you follow up on the shipwreck, and try to discover where that boat came from. The harbourmaster would likely know where you could find the manifest"
Teis: "Thank you, Loremaster." Teis bows. Sis won't like her spending yet more money on nothing. . .And Sis won't let her pull all-nighters to make up for her spending. What an annoying situation to be in. "I have nothing against Shaw Enterprises, and I will be sure to go ask this Elizabeth. Following up on the shipwreck is also a sound idea."
Aurelius: "You are quite welcome" He passes over the books "There is no formal limit on the number of withdrawals you can make, but do remember to return the books once you are done. Otherwise, I hope you learn what you need to do what is needed"
Teis: "Not to worry, Loremaster. I will take utmost care of your books. I thank you for trusting me with them." Teis politely bows to Aurelius, before taking the books. "Ah. . .I have a favour to ask of you. I would want to stay in the library to research more instead of my home, though I find myself uncomfortable suppressed by your runes." Teis implies a request.
Aurelius: "Of course! The process for becoming a Loremaster can be achieved in as little as five years"
Aurelius: "I am sorry Ms. Bouquet, but the runes are for the safety of the library, and its inhabitants. I assure you, that they do not impact a person's inherent magics. Merely the ability to affect the wider surroundings. Any discomfort is perfectly harmless"
Teis' face scrunches up a little as the hope drains from her. ". . .Not sure I'll even still be living here in five years." Teis replies. "And please, Loremaster. . .Call me Teis. I'm well aware that it isn't harmful, though it is highly distracting. However, I will concede to your authority. Thank you for your help, Loremaster. Until next time." Teis farewells, preparing to leave.
Aurelius: "You are quite welcome" He nods softly, bidding her to leave